Penn Hills police Chief Howard Burton said the incident happened in September, but police were made aware Thursday night.

There was a Facebook conversation between friends, including a photo of a teen boy holding a gun inside a bathroom at the high school, Burton said.

Because police can't confirm whether the gun in the photo is real or not, charges will not be filed.

District officials

A letter from principal Eric Kostic to parents and guardians said:

"Through collaboration with the Penn Hills Police Department, the Penn Hills High School Administration was notified today that a student was recently in possession of a weapon while on school property.

"The Penn Hills Police Department continues to investigate. As per Penn Hills School District Policy #218.1 and Act 126, the student has been suspended and due process proceedings have been scheduled.

"As always, our goal is to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment at Penn Hills High School. Unsafe student actions such as this cannot and will not be tolerated."